MCP Backup Server

A specialized MCP server that provides backup and restoration capabilities for AI agents and code editing tools. Tested in both Cursor and Windsurf editors.

Repository: https://github.com/hexitex/MCP-Backup-Server

Why Use This (Not Git)

This system serves a different purpose than Git:

Pros:

Creates instant, targeted backups with agent context
Simpler than Git for single-operation safety
Preserves thought process and intent in backups
No commit messages or branching required
Better for AI agents making critical changes
Works without repository initialization
Faster for emergency "save points" during edits

Cons:

Not for long-term version tracking
Limited collaboration features
No merging or conflict resolution
No distributed backup capabilities
Not a replacement for proper version control
Stores complete file copies rather than diffs

When to use: Before risky edits, folder restructuring, or when you need quick safety backups with context.

When to use Git instead: For proper version history, collaboration, and project management.

Features

Preserves agent context and reasoning
Creates targeted, minimal backups
Supports file and folder operations
Maintains version history
Provides restore safety
Uses pattern filtering
Tracks operations
Allows cancellation

Setup

Installing via Smithery

To install Backup Server for Claude Desktop automatically via Smithery:

npx -y @smithery/cli install @hexitex/MCP-Backup-Server --client claude

Installing Manually

# Install dependencies
npm install

# Build TypeScript files
npm run build

# Start the backup server
npm start

Config

Env:

BACKUP_DIR: Backup directory (./.code_backups)
EMERGENCY_BACKUP_DIR: Emergency backups (./.code_emergency_backups)
MAX_VERSIONS: Version limit (10)

Configure in editor:

Windsurf MCP config:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "backup": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": ["./dist/index.js"],
      "env": {
        "BACKUP_DIR": "./.code_backups",
        "EMERGENCY_BACKUP_DIR": "./.code_emergency_backups",
        "MAX_VERSIONS": "20"
      }
    }
  }
}

Cursor: Create .cursor/mcp.json with similar config.

Tools

File Operations

backup_create: Create backup with context
backup_list: List available backups
backup_restore: Restore with safety backup

Folder Operations

backup_folder_create: Backup with pattern filtering
backup_folder_list: List folder backups
backup_folder_restore: Restore folder structure

Management

backup_list_all: List all backups
mcp_cancel: Cancel operations

When to Use Backups

Only create backups when truly needed:

Before Refactoring: When changing important code
Before Removing Folders: When reorganizing project structure
Multiple Related Changes: When updating several connected files
Resuming Major Work: When continuing significant changes
Before Restores: Create safety backup before restoring

Keep backups minimal and purposeful. Document why each backup is needed.

Rules for Copy-Paste

Always try to use the backup MCP server for operations that require a backup, listing backups and restoring backups.
Only backup before critical code changes, folder removal, changes to multiple related files, resuming major work, or restoring files.
Keep backups minimal and focused only on files being changed.
Always provide clear context for why a backup is being created.
Use pattern filters to exclude irrelevant files from folder backups.
Use relative file paths when creating backups.
Create emergency backups before restore operations.
Clean up old backups to maintain system efficiency.
Backup tools: backup_create, backup_list, backup_restore, backup_folder_create, backup_folder_list, backup_folder_restore, backup_list_all, mcp_cancel.

For Human Users

Simple commands like these at the start you may have to mention MCP tool

# Back up an important file
"Back up my core file before refactoring"

# Back up a folder before changes
"Create backup of the API folder before restructuring"

# Find previous backups
"Show me my recent backups"

# Restore a previous version
"Restore my core file from this morning"

Agent Examples

Quick Backups

// Before project changes
{
  "name": "mcp0_backup_folder_create",
  "parameters": {
    "folder_path": "./src",
    "include_pattern": "*.{js,ts}",
    "exclude_pattern": "{node_modules,dist,test}/**",
    "agent_context": "Start auth changes"
  }
}

// Before core fix
{
  "name": "mcp0_backup_create",
  "parameters": {
    "file_path": "./src/core.js",
    "agent_context": "Fix validation"
  }
}

Resume Session

// View recent work
{
  "name": "mcp0_backup_list_all",
  "parameters": {
    "include_pattern": "src/**/*.js"
  }
}

// Get last version
{
  "name": "mcp0_backup_restore",
  "parameters": {
    "file_path": "./src/core.js",
    "timestamp": "20250310-055950-000",
    "create_emergency_backup": true
  }
}

Core Changes

// Critical update
{
  "name": "mcp0_backup_create",
  "parameters": {
    "file_path": "./src/core.js",
    "agent_context": "Add validation"
  }
}

// Module update
{
  "name": "mcp0_backup_folder_create",
  "parameters": {
    "folder_path": "./src/api",
    "include_pattern": "*.js",
    "exclude_pattern": "test/**",
    "agent_context": "Refactor modules"
  }
}

Restore Points

// Check versions
{
  "name": "mcp0_backup_list",
  "parameters": {
    "file_path": "./src/core.js"
  }
}

{
  "name": "mcp0_backup_folder_list",
  "parameters": {
    "folder_path": "./src/api"
  }
}

// File restore
{
  "name": "mcp0_backup_restore",
  "parameters": {
    "file_path": "./src/core.js",
    "timestamp": "20250310-055950-000",
    "create_emergency_backup": true
  }
}

// Folder restore
{
  "name": "mcp0_backup_folder_restore",
  "parameters": {
    "folder_path": "./src/api",
    "timestamp": "20250310-055950-000",
    "create_emergency_backup": true
  }
}

Manage

// List recent
{
  "name": "mcp0_backup_list_all",
  "parameters": {
    "include_pattern": "src/**/*.js"
  }
}

// Stop backup
{
  "name": "mcp0_mcp_cancel",
  "parameters": {
    "operationId": "backup_1234"
  }
}

License

MIT